United Kingdom Management Profiles

JULIAN DARLING, FRICS – Chairman

Julian has farmed a thousand acres in Norfolk - dairy, vegetables and cereals. He is Chairman of Trustees on 3 large rural estates. Julian has also previously been chairman of the National Trust Rural Enterprise Panel and Mind LMA, vice-chairman of NHS Health Trust, prison visitor and Bath 1st XV.

MIKE VACHER – Secretary

Mike is currently Director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust in the United Kingdom. He is responsible to the Nuffield Trustees for managing the unique Nuffield scheme of study and personal development in the United Kingdom and its involvement with Nuffield International.

He comes with a lifelong commitment to rural affairs and agriculture at large, as well as the experience gained from a successful military career, followed by seven years as Bursar of large independent school charities.

During his time in the British Army he travelled extensively, served in Sierra Leone, Jordan, Hong Kong and Europe as well as visiting USA, Canada and New Zealand and working in international organisations. He was Deputy Commandant and Chief of Staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where he set up ‘The Sandhurst Foundation’ as an alumni for the 60,000 officers and staff with the greater purpose of fostering leadership worldwide.

At two large UK independent schools he was responsible for all aspects of administration for large charities including their proper business management, statutory compliance and governance.

Mike is an accomplished horseman, who has been Chef d’Equipe for international 3 Day Eventing teams and continues to serve as an active British Eventing and international FEI steward.

He has recently moved into the heart of Somerset near Taunton, in the Blackdown Hills, South West England where he lives with his wife who acts as Director’s Assistant. They have one son who is currently studying at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.